Is Concept Of Social Science Inherently Utopian - Essay Example

IS CONCEPT OF SOCIAL SCIENCE INHERENTLY UTOPIAN R.PREETI 11 2008 The philosophy of Social Science provides generally, the 'Ideal' state of being. It projects what 'should' be, rather than what is, and therefore, sets a higher degree of expectation and equivalent performance to be drawn. This is known as the 'Utopian' concept, which simply translates into meaning that philosophy seeks to present the ideal condition. The philosophy aims at providing a good, real and just life. It also lays down the establishment of a harmonious and stable political society. The utopian concept of the philosophical approach to social science aims to put forth how the entire state and other social factors in it should function, while also putting forth ways and means to achieve this end. It tries to bridge the gap between an ideal state and the real state. This approach can be seen in Plato's 'Republic', Hobbes' 'Leviathan' and also in Jean Jacques Rousseau's writings. However, this is a tedious and often, unrealistic approach. The 'ideal' is the best that can possibly be, while working conditions in a society look towards making the best possible out of the condition prevalent and the resources available. While excessive importance is attached to the usage of the mind, one finds it far-fetched and beyond the normal conditions of living. This paper attempts to shed more light on this concept of Utopia, as put forth by the social sciences. UTOPIAN APPROACH TO SOCIAL SCIENCES Deductive: The Philosophy to Social Sciences is an a Priori or Deductive method, which moves from the general to the particular, aiming at speculation and laying down what ought to be. Abstract: It is more often than not, characterised by abstract thinking and a more ideal setting; wherein the pragmatic perspective if steered cleared of, and a more idealistic set-up is conjured and pictured as the desired end. Universal Principles: The philosophy to the social sciences relies heavily on general universal principles, and does not move from the conventional notion of what should be the end and the means to achieve the end. It takes for granted, the truth of the conventional thinking pattern. Methodology: A scholar engages himself in laborious theorising and abstract thinking, to explain the nature of social sciences from a philosophical perspective, which is again based on excogitated principles. Ends: The purposes and ends of the state and other social sciences are drawn up from an ethical and philosophical perspective, rather than from an pragmatic or practical perspective. This summarizes the manner in which philosophical approach to the social sciences is formulated. PROS AND CONS OF THE APPROACH: THE POSITIVES Perceiving the social sciences from the utopian perspective helps in evolving great principles for whose realization, the state and the social bodies are meant to exist and function towards. This also is a eye-opener to the fact that the social scientist should not get lost in the world of mere facts and experiments, and must look towards the realization of the larger good of the society. It has been asserted time and again, by great social thinkers, that the primary purpose of social sciences is to envisage and work towards 'what ought to be'. THE NEGATIVES The approach also does have some drawbacks, mostly because it is impractical and too lofty to be carried out by bringing about a consensus in the entire society. This is inclusive of the formulation of a large body of principles, which cannot be substantiated. The conclusions are drawn on unquestioned axioms, which are not verified in a scientific manner. In addition to this, a universally accepted definition of philosophy is not reached, by philosophers, which in turn, hampers the definitive basis of the philosophy of the social sciences. The final word on this approach, si that there certainly exists a great divide between the philosophers' idealism and hard realism, which cannot be merged. This approach, therefore is more of a fantastic wishful thinking, rather than a pragmatic one. THE CONCEPT OF UTOPIA The word 'utopia' originates from the Latin word, meaning 'nowhere'. Another alternative suggested to this, is the amalgamation of outopia (no place, nowhere) and eutopia (the 'good place'). This w as coined by Sir Thomas Moore, in the year 1516, in his book, wherein he described the fantastic and fascinating tales of travel to exotic undiscovered lands. This itself establishes an idea----that it is pejorative and unattainable. It is the prevalence of perfection and idealism, as one envisages. However, when applied to the social sciences it does put forth a hard task. This is simply because of the following facts: Society is an amalgamation of a variety of individuals. Therefore, 'utopia' is a relative term, more often than not. What seems perfect for one might be ridiculous for the other! Differences in perceptions, attitudes, behavioural patterns, beliefs and faith, ideologies and even mannerisms to lifestyles make it a really tough task to execute the prevalence of the 'utopia' that bears a common meaning and relevance to all and sundry. Heterogeneity, which is very often the backbone of a society in working in different paths to attain all-round development, can be quite a deterrent to the 'utopia' conjured by a few at the helm. Therefore, it can be concluded that a utopian concept of the social sciences is rather unconceivable and impractical. Coming down to a more social behavioural perspective, the concept of utopia raises questions about the very nature of man who is the social animal. It makes a conscientious effort to approach social identity and the very establishment of relationships in the social perspective. The concept of utopia, in the philosophy of the social sciences does raise a few theoretical and conscientious questions, with reference to man and society. It delves into the following concepts: Ontology: It raises questions pertinent to the very nature fo the social world. Since this world is not a passive and stable one, it raises questions as to whether r this social setting can be a planned and formulated one, or does it thrive on instability and randomness. Ethics: Philosophy argues if it is ethical and morally right in the first place, to dream of a fantastic setting, which is certainly an impractical thing to imagine or lay down. Epistemology: It asks a practical question, whether it is logical, to perhaps extend our imagination outside the conditioned way of thinking and the conventional thought process. Totalitarianism: It perhaps encourages us to thinks on the lines fo a despotic setting, since it does involve the imbibing of a perfectionist view. Thus, philosophical enquiry into social sciences often borders on uncertainty and wavers beyond the attainable. The philosophical quest into social science can be described as the following: Prescriptive The utopian concept is a blueprint for the idealistic view of how the society and state should be. It not only creates a very feel-good vision of an advanced and ideal social setting as compared to the current situation, but also performs a prescriptive function. In other words, it is like a guide to how the society should be and ought to be. It is a moralistic view of a perfectionist vision. Therefore, it prescribes standards to the current society, in terms of what it should aspire to attain. Situationally Transcendent The concept of utopia transcends beyond the current reality. It not only makes the individual aware of the current state, but allows him to d ream and perhaps, aspire for more. It helps him escape into a situation of sheer bliss and transcend above the current plight. It also reiterates the capability of the human mind to think beyond the conventional and create an imaginary world of idealism and perfection. The social science of psychology is also utopian in nature, given the stream of dynamic psychology, which works on the cognitive and behavioural psychology. As Freud reflected, ""Perhaps there is a treasure to be dug up capable of enriching civilization and (...) it is worth making the experiment of an irreligious education" (Freud 232). The idea of psychological utopia is commonly associated with Freudo-Marxism, which denotes a group of German-speaking authors such as Wilhelm Reich, Siegfried Bernfeld, Erich Fromm, and Herbert Marcuse (on Marxism and psychoanalysis, sec Katzel, Dahmer). Psychoanalytic utopias were based on few assumptions, as listed below: They laid down assumptions on the relations between man and society, and also noted that the societal and cultural settings influenced man to look inward and bring about transformations in response to those settings. This leads to the furthering of the utopian concept in term of psychology. Next, it is also assumed that there lies an in-depth link between the self and the society. The structure of the society influences man to a great extent, and brings about alterations or transformations in the individuals. The society's quest for utopia transforms the psychoanalytic concept into one seeking individual inward peace and utopia. In the Soviet Union, the purported scientific analysis of the psyche was dictated by Marxist ideological doctrines, and--as recent studies have demonstrated--psychoanalysis was used by the Bolshevik government as a tool for producing a "new edition of humans" (Etkind; Miller). The assumed interconnection between the structure of personality and the structure of society was later examined, for example, by the social philosopher Theodor Adorno et al (1950) and, more recently, by the German sociologist Norbert Elias (1996) [Website: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-77186829.html] Thus, Psychological utopias are based on these three assumptions (inner transformation, an interrelationship between the structure of society and the structure of personality, and an anthropological conception of illness), all of which are characteristically holistic by stressing the interdependence of mind and body, psyche and soma, self and society. [Website: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-77186829.html]. A perceptive student of utopianism, Ruth Levitas, has correctly remarked that the "pursuit of a b better way of being does not always involve the alteration of external conditions, but may mean the pursuance of spiritual or psychological states" (Levitas 192). BLUEPRINTS OF UTOPIA The term utopia and the very meaning of idealism is imagined differently by different people. It is true that idealism is relative, in terms of what is ideal to a person. For instance, for one, utopia may be an financially secure life. However, for one who is rich and lacks mental peace, utopia might be sheer contentment and a worry-free life. Therefore, utopia itself is a relative concept and has been described or put forth in a variety of ways by varied people. For a professional from the economic field, utopia might be the reign of the best possible market, with effective demand being the characteristic. However, for a literary writer, utopia is art and he describes it in a artistic manner, with creativity and imagination bringing in picturesque details. One of the best possible examples in literature, is that of Rabindranath Tagore's. In his poem, "Where the mind is without fear...", he clearly talks about how he visualises his utopia. He talks about freedom in the absolute sense of the etrms and concludes saying, that only when the conditions are fulfilled, will utopia reign. Where The Mind is Without Fear WHERE the mind is without fear and the head is held high Where knowledge is free Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls Where words come out from the depth of truth Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit Where the mind is led forward by thee Into ever-widening thought and action Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake. Plato's Republic is a great source of inspiration, since it deals with the utopian concept again. It deals with the attributes of the ideal state, that would bring about prosperity and security to citizens. It started off right from Plato and has come down over the centuries. Today, in tune with the advancements made and the changed lifestyles, we have the Communist and Socialist perspectives of the utopian concept. Other forms of utopia include the Feminist utopia, as perceived in Ursula LeGuin's 'The Dispossessed', environment al conscious utopia like the one portrayed in Ernest Callenbach's 'Ecotopia'. The utopian imaginations have reiterated the thought that utopias need not stand for man's avarice and can have healthy dimensions, since it indicates man's attempts to perhaps look out towards a better future and dwelling in such thoughts could lend a positive dimension to the actual process of paving way to a near-utopian future. However, this does not solely mean that utopian concept has positive impacts. It does have its own adverse effects and if misutilised or misconstrued, could bring about negativity in man's life, defeating the sole purpose behind the very concept, which is idealism. CRITICISM There tends to prevail discontentment and dissatisfaction, when one does not live up to the set standards of the utopian idealism. Mankind could face literal stagnation, if faced with the utopian concept.. This is because, there exist nothing beyond the utopia. It assumes the form of a static society. Utopias being in totalitarian undertones, since there is absolutely no scope for deviation and despotism is what is the answer found in this form of society. The social worlds and the society is multi-dimensional with complex interrelations. This has numerous perceptive to its credit and therefore, utopian concept would bring about the rule of a few facets, ignoring a number of them in the bargain. Utopias, are often turned into dystopias, due to the process of reversal of deterrents. This way, the evil causes are made to suffer and in the bargain, the subdued get an upliftment. However, the evil causes are put down, which shuns utopia itself. These are some of the criticisms put forth by critics. CONCLUSION As a conclusion, it can be ascertained that utopia, as a concept of the social sciences, is rather benefitting, when perceived as a idealist condition and when the social institutions strive towards reaching that situation of perfection. It acts as a propelling force and prescribes what ought to be. However, on the negative side, it hampers man's self-contentment and keeps him perpetually unhappy with the state of affairs. The utopian ideal state is attainable and in spite of toiling, he is not happy with the progress or the attempts made, even though it might be good enough. The concept of utopia, when limited to its inspiring and fascinating appeal, is a very novel one. However, when it is taken seriously, it can mar the progress attained. Therefore, it can be reiterated that social sciences; psychology, politics per se are innately very positive in outlook. These social sciences look at growing and developing into a utopian stage---where everything is perfect and ideal. Politics looks at the evolvement of the ideal state and psychology looks at bringing about utmost self-knowledge and strength in an individual, which is again intertwined with that of the society, a s individuals make up the society. No social science is accommodative of the concept of stagnation. Development and substantial growth is inherently embedded in the social sciences, owing to the simple fact that all of them envisage the ideal setting as a goal, which is nothing but the utopian concept. REFERENCES Notes provided by the customer 'Political Science', B.K.Gokhale, Himalaya Publishers Website: http://users.aol.com/DrHumph/index.htm Kumar, K. (1986) Utopia and anti-Utopia in Modern Times. Oxford, Basil Blackwell. Website: www.wikipedia.com Website: http://www.social-ecology.org/article.phpstory=20031125145228695 Website: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-77186829.html Read More